What are the benefits of interacting with nature?
Recently, due to the impact of the new coronavirus, the demand for outdoor activities has been increasing.
In addition to being able to avoid crowds, there are various benefits to be gained by being in nature.
So, what are the specific benefits?
3 benefits obtained through interacting with nature
First, the greatest benefit of spending time in nature is said to be the relaxation effect on the mind and body. In fact, many people may have experienced a sense of "healing" when visiting nature-rich places on their days off. Environments abundant in nature offer many experiences that cannot be enjoyed in the city, such as feeling the scents of flowers and trees, listening to the chirping of birds, and feeling the gentle breeze on the skin.
Research investigating the therapeutic effects of feeling "healing" in nature measured the hormone secretion levels of 420 subjects across 35 forests nationwide. The results showed that the secretion of cortisol, known as a stress hormone, decreased by about 12%, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which increases tension, decreased by about 7%, while the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which works during relaxation, increased by about 55%.
Furthermore, there are also expectations for increased immunity through contact with nature. A study conducted by the Heisei Medical Association titled "Forest Bathing and Improvement of Mental Health" investigated how much natural killer cells (NK cells), a type of immune cell, increased after one day and two days of forest bathing. The results showed that one day of forest bathing enhanced NK cells by about 27%, while two days of forest bathing enhanced them by about 53%.(Note 1)
In other words, it can be said that the healing effects of contact with nature are scientifically proven.
In addition, it is said that being in nature also has an impact on nurturing people's sensitivity. By spending time in nature, one can gain various realizations such as the changing colors of leaves, the way leaves sway in the wind, and the scents of trees and flowers, which can help nurture sensitivity. By experiencing changes in natural scenery that are not often seen in cities, one may also become more sensitive to small changes.
In today's society where there are fewer opportunities to interact with nature compared to the past, it is becoming increasingly important to actively create time for children to enjoy the outdoors as part of their education.
What are the leisure spots in Kanto where you can enjoy various outdoor activities?
In the Kanto region, there are various outdoor leisure spots where you can experience different activities. Among them, in Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, there is "Mobility Resort Motegi" where you can overlook the racing course, "Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel", and "Park" where both children and adults can enjoy attractions, as well as "Hello Woods" where you can play and learn while interacting with nature.
This Hello Woods is a place where the forest is carefully managed by dedicated staff and is rich in nature with many living creatures. Here, in addition to camping, there are many spots to enjoy such as "Lizard Rock Climbing" where you can climb a 1.5m wall, and "Urinbo Maze" which is 428m long. There are also many outdoor activities for parents and children to enjoy together.
In activities, for example, at "Hatcho Tonbo no Tanada" located in Hello Woods, there is an activity called "Satoyama Chibikko Boken-tai ~Doronko in the Rice Field~" where you can play in the muddy space of the rice field without planting rice.
In this way, at Hello Woods, you can enjoy nature just by walking around or playing with the playground equipment placed throughout the park. However, there are also activities that allow you to experience nature more closely, so you can enjoy a different way of having fun every time you visit.
Interacting with nature not only brings many relaxation benefits for both the mind and body,
but it can also be expected to improve immunity and nurture sensitivity.
Especially now, when stress is easily felt, why not enjoy the outdoors in nature for a change of pace?
